Virginia has a strong right to work tradition, and has had right to work laws on the books since the 1940s. Today’s vote advances the process of enshrining those laws into the state constitution, to the detriment of Virginia workers' rights and to the benefit of wealthy outside corporate interests. (The resolution will have to pass again in 2016, and then be approved by the voters, in order to become law.)

Speaking after the vote, Senator George Barker (D – Fairfax) said, “This amendment is downright unnecessary. Right to work laws have been on the books in Virginia for over 70 years. It is ironic that Republicans frequently accuse Democrats of government overreach, and yet they feel it appropriate to reflect in the Constitution something that has been practice for so long.”

Senator Dave Marsden (D – Fairfax) said, “This is a political maneuver in an election year, an attempt by my Republican colleagues, backed by special corporate interests, to weaken the rights of hardworking Virginians.”

The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus supports the legislative, political and electoral endeavors of Virginia Democratic senators. The caucus does everything it can to help senators carry out their mission to represent all Virginians and pass legislation that reflects Virginia’s mainstream values.